Meet Melanie Redd

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Redd.

Hi Melanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Several years ago, after graduating with my Master’s in Education from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary, the door opened for me to launch my own ministry/business. Hope Ministry was birthed in 2015. It started small, really small, with a little website, daily social media posts, and a weekly blog and email. You can find the ministry at https://melanieredd.com/.

My desire was to share HOPE through practical wisdom, a little humor, and life-changing truth from the Bible. With my family’s help and support, we began to grow and reach more people. It’s now been my joy to speak to groups across the city, the community, the country, and throughout the world (using Zoom). I love looking into the eyes of listeners and giving them the truths that will inspire and motivate them!

Our ministry has also created and published 8 books with the 9th book coming out on April 26th. It’s called Just Rest, and it’s a devotional for women. You can find out more about the book here – https://melanieredd.com/just-rest-a-90-day-devotional-journal/. On our various social media platforms, we now reach close to 150,000 people. It’s amazing to know that the ministry can touch lives as we reach out to others several times a day.

Additionally, our blog has grown tremendously! Millions have read and been encouraged all over the globe by our inspiring posts and articles. Most recently, Hope Ministry has joined forces with the ministry of Pastor Adrian Rogers (Love Worth Finding) to form Women Living Courageously. We share regular podcasts, blog posts, and emails in a virtual women’s ministry.

You can discover more about this new ministry at https://womenlivingcourageously.org/.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For me, one of the biggest challenges was conquering technology. I had so many questions and so few answers. But, through many phone calls, YouTube videos, help from friends, some tears, and lots of prayers, I have learned so much.

I tell new business owners that it’s a process. You just don’t know what you don’t know. And, it’s okay to not always have the answers. Also, feeling like you are all alone in your business or ministry can be a real challenge. Truly, it’s helped me to join groups online for support. I am in several Facebook groups and Instagram pods.

In addition, I have been in a couple of local groups for support and encouragement. Most of these groups have centered around being a solo entrepreneur as a woman. These communities have been a huge help and a lot of fun.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a creative, I spend a great deal of time creating content. On any given week, I will do a ton of writing, artwork, video creation, and video editing. For example, this past week, I wrote 2 podcast episodes, wrote 3 articles, wrote one speech, created 4 videos, edited 2 podcasts, taught one lesson online, and created about 15 social media posts.

In addition, I’m always thinking ahead and asking myself questions:

– What will I be talking about next week?
– What social media do I need to share next?
– Do I need to add a video to Instagram or TikTok?
– How could I say this better?
– Where are people hurting, and how can I encourage them?
– Who do I need to reach out to today?
– How will this message resonate?

It’s work that is always in flux!

The creative mind never rests. We create in the car, in the shower, while putting on makeup, while walking the dog, and everywhere else. I keep little notes, notebooks, and pieces of paper all over the place. I constantly make notes or type thoughts into my phone. My mind is almost always moving, dreaming, and creating something new!

I think that what brings me the most joy is when someone says, “Yes! Me too. Thank you! I completely relate to that and I’m so encouraged by what you wrote/said/shared!” What sets me apart is that I just keep going. I don’t quit! And, I’m not afraid to try new things, learn new skills, and make mistakes.

My determination to continue to share hope with others – makes me press on!

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
What a great question! For me, I look for those who are doing a great job, and I saddle up next to them and start asking questions. I’ve done this online and in person. For example, if someone is a great teacher, I’ll try to listen to their podcast or go to one of their conferences. I learn from watching what they do.

Also, if I notice that a friend is “killing it” in her ministry or business, I’ll reach out and set up a time to talk. I love to glean insights from my friends. As I’ve seen friends launch podcasts successfully, I’ve sent them emails and called them to ask questions. Many friends have helped me to launch my own podcast.

They have shared what worked and what didn’t. Their input has been invaluable. I highly recommend becoming the “student” of those who have mastered what you have not. We are never too smart, too good, or too old to learn from others!

Contact Info:

• Email: hope@melanieredd.com
• Website: https://melanieredd.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniemredd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelanieMRedd
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelanieRedd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTVnKcDFW6owoUsuaOwC0yQ
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@melaniemredd

Image Credits
Calli Smith Photography